BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said those who were once involved with the Awami League (AL) but did not support or participate in its misrule, and had already distanced themselves from the party are welcome to join the BNP.

"Suppose someone hasn't been involved in politics for a long time. Or, there are those who, even during the Awami League's time, might have once been involved with the party but did not support its misrule, barbaric acts, looting, money laundering and were never part of such activities. Those who had already distanced themselves from the Awami League, they can join," he said.

He made the remarks during a press briefing held at the BNP's central office in Nayapaltan.

"We want decent people from society to join, retired government officials, teachers, bankers, NGO workers, farmers, and labourers," Rizvi said.

Rizvi also highlighted the importance of carefully vetting new members.

"We must ensure that no collaborators, money launderers, criminals, or land grabbers are allowed into the party," he said.

Rizvi announced that the BNP aims to recruit around one crore new primary members over a two-month period from May 15 to July 15 as part of its membership renewal and recruitment drive.

The BNP leader said that political activities were severely restricted under the Awami League government.

"Our party offices were often attacked. Computers, typewriters, fax machines were vandalised. Official documents were thrown on the street or taken away," he said.

"Reorganising everything from scratch is difficult. But we will keep working," he added.

Rizvi said that during autocratic regimes, people were afraid to join the BNP.

"They would worry, 'If I become a member, will the police raid my house? Will I be arrested?'and out of fear, they wouldn't join."

"Government officers and even principals wanted to become members, but they didn't come to our offices out of fear," he said.

Mentioning that the situation has now improved, Rizvi added, "The campaign will begin with launch events in divisional cities."